Chapter 3- The Princess

Wake up calls started around 6 the next morning. They ate granola and dried fruit for breakfast. Not Ryan’s top choice, but he wasn’t home anymore. They got an introduction to the village. The elder’s name was Kojo. He was very old and laughed after most things he said. He was excited to have them there and offered his assistance and that of his granddaughter. Their first assignment was to get to know someone in the village. The troop stood in a huddle less than eager to go out and force conversation upon a stranger. Ryan decided if he was gonna be there, he might as well get used to it. He stepped out of the herd and walked up to Kojo’s granddaughter. He smiled and reached out his hand. “Let me introduce myself,” Ryan began.

“Bite me American,” she said sharply and walked by, throwing a heavy sac over her shoulder. Ryan’s jaw dropped. That was not the response he expected. Kojo came over and patted his shoulder.

“She’s a little feisty, that one.”

“No kidding.” Ryan stepped out and greeted and older woman. She had several children and grandchildren in the village. She had Ryan put a couple light bulbs in her ceiling and cried she was so grateful. He couldn’t imagine someone denying Rosa any help.

“Let me get you some food.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary. Thank you though,” Ryan said rushed.

“Don’t be silly,” she grabbed his shoulder and forced him into the tiny chair at the table. He tried to sit gently, anticipating the horror of the chair snapping under his weight.

“They gave us breakfast this morning.” Rosa gave Ryan a once over and began her creaky chuckle. She placed a bowl in front of him and he looked at the white bready paste questioning.

“What do you call this.”

“It has no name. Just eat. It is sweet and delicious. You will like it.” He took the spoon in his hand and scooped a bit up and slowly slipped it into his mouth. It was a weird texture but tasted almost like shortbread cookies crushed into a sweet cream. It was amazing. He began plowing into it. He finished and looked up at the grinning old woman. He was suddenly embarrassed. He wasn’t making the best impression for Americans here.

“Sorry that was rude of me. It was very good though thank you.”

“Ryan do not worry. I am happy to make you happy. You can come by whenever you like. I will take care of you.”

“Don’t you think I’ve been taken care of enough already?” he said patting his stomach.

“America cares too much about such small things. You are in good strong health. It is good.”

“I really should go Rosa. Thank you very much though. I might have to take you up on your offer soon.” She hugged him and he left. Eventually everyone got gathered up to go to a spring to bring back water. Ryan was falling behind the group and when he finally crossed the dry grassland to the spring everyone had already been heading back to camp. He took a breather by some rocks and walked towards the sound of water to fill his barrel and canteen. However, he was met with the unexpected sight of the ever sexy and naked granddaughter of Kojo. She shrieked and jumped into the water. Ryan stared after her startled. She popped her head out of the water and wiped the water urgently from her face. She stared back at him.

“What are you doing still here?!”

“I’m so sorry. I was just getting water. I didn’t mean to walk in on you.”

“Well you did,” she said climbing out of the water holding her breast, revealing her perfectly round butt to him. Ryan went to take a step back and fell into the water with a shout. He stood up in the water in shock. She stood looking at him, fully clothed. She reached her hand out to him and helped him out. He pulled his soaked shirt away from his soft form. Not that it stopped her from staring at him. She looked so flawless. She was a healthy size, with a small belly and thick where Ryan was most interested. Her hair was short and her face stern. Her expression softened and almost looked like she would smile. She put her arm around his shoulder. “You should let your clothes dry before you go back.”

“How do you suppose I do that,” he said a little frustrated. She reached to pull his shirt over his head, but he stopped her frantically.

“What are you doing!”

“Taking your clothes off. They will dry fast on the rocks in the sun.”

“I can’t take off my clothes in front of you!”

“Why not. I was just naked in front of you.” Ryan wasn’t going to make a scene, so he sighed and pulled his shirt, shorts and shoes and socks. He wrapped his arms around his stomach and shuffled awkwardly. “My name is Sashta,” she said holding out her hand. He shook her hand.

“Ryan. Nice to meet you again.”
She looked him up and down and he starred back at her.

“How could you possibly be cold in this hot weather?” She asked aggressively. Ryan stared back at her in disbelief, noting the sweat dripping down his face.

“I’m not cold! It’s way too hot out right now.”

“Then why do you huddle yourself?” She asked, wrapping her arms around her body pretending to shiver. Ryan stared at her, baffled. She stared back waiting for an explanation.

“I usually don’t like people seeing me in my underwear.” She gave him a funny look. “It is a common practice in America for fat people.” Her eyes went wide now.

“So fat people cannot be seen without clothes but skinny people can. You have strange rules in your country. In Gedeh we do not do that.”

“It’s not a rule. It’s just something everyone agrees is best.”

“But why?” Ryan was getting frustrated with the conversation.

“Because people don’t want to see all of this,” he said putting his arms out. Instantly uncomfortable. He put his hands to his sides and consciously tried to not suck in his belly. Sashta came closer to him.

“I do not understand you Americans. You look very nice to me,” she said a smile peeking at her lips. He looked back at her quizzically. What was going on here.

“Are you making fun of me?”

“No I think you look….sexy? Is that the right word? Like I would… you know.” Ryan just stood there, fat and staring at her. “If you do not like how I look then I guess we should not do it though.”

“Wait a minute!” Ryan half shouts half laughs. “First you are very attractive. Like unbelievably hot for the first girl I’ve talked to. Are you talking about having sex with me right now? I feel like I must be missing something.”

“Thank you, Ryan. You too are good looking. And yes I’m asking you to have sex. Jeez.” Ryan blinked at her.

“Yes. I would enjoy that. Though I am not very experienced.” He had sex 3 total times before with a girl who had graduated and was really just looking for a couple of rides while she was between cars. It was kind of a disappointing record, but this time would be pretty cool.

“Oh me neither. I never have.” Ryan’s heart fell.

“You’re a virgin! No way are we having sex then!”

“Why not! I would like to.”

“Sashta you do not want to lose your virginity on a cliffside in the dirt with me of all people. Ok?”

“Why not?”

“It’s supposed to be special for the girls. I’m not gonna do that.” He paused to think. “How old are you?”

“18 years old. An adult in your world.”

“Not in yours?”

“In my grandfather’s world, I am a baby forever. Nobody will make a connection with me because of him. It makes it very hard to be a woman who wants to have sex.” Ryan looked around.

“We can do something. Come over here,” he led her to a small tall grass area and laid down on his side. He motioned for her to do the same. “Is it ok if I do this,” he said, pulling her skirt up. She nodded, seeming very ok with whatever he was about to do. He pushed her underwear to the side, wet his finger and reached down to touch her. He kissed her a little and she started kissing him a lot, which he enjoyed. He dipped his fingers into her vagina which was both wet and tight. She gasped a little and took his hand and pushed his fingers deeper. He pushed them in and out and watched her react in ecstasy. He went back to rubbing her clitoris and she started moaning softly. “Does that feel good?” he asked huskily.

“So good. Say more,” she breathed.

“You know we aren’t supposed to be doing this. You just couldn’t help yourself. Rolling around with a near stranger just to get off. You must want it real bad.” She was now losing it on the ground.

“You are so close,” she said urgently. Her rubbed her a little faster and looked down at her. “Are you gonna come for me Sashta. I know you want to. Get there,” before he could continue she was clearly orgasming in front of him, and hard. He pulled his hand away and started jerking off. Which only lasted a matter of seconds. He came into the grass and looked back at Sashta, who had watched him.

“I’d be embarrassed but that was too hot,” he said breathing heavy.

“Do not be embarrassed,” she said looking at his erection with wide eyes. He pulled his boxers back on and sat down. Sashta came over and sat next to him. She reached out and touched his soft belly. She rubbed it a little which almost felt nice through the petrifying fear. “I really like your belly. It is so soft and squishy and it looks cute.”

“Thank you. Nobody has ever said that but I appreciate it.” All the blood in his cock was making its way back to his brain. “I need my clothes,” he said urgently. He went over to the rocks, checking to see if anyone was coming. A big white guy in boxers would stick out like a sore thumb here. Sashta followed behind dressing as she went. “This is bad man,” he said pulling on his shorts.

“What is bad. I thought we both thought it was good. I am confused again Ryan,” she said sounding annoyed.

“You are Kojo’s granddaughter. His baby forever. You said so yourself. If he knew what was happening… who knows. I could get kicked out of the Peace Corps. My dad would absolutely hate me.” Sashta looked at him with a forlorn expression.

“I am sorry to have made my grandfather and your father hate you Ryan.” Ryan pulled on his shirt and sat on a rock, pulling Sashta down next to him.

“Not yet! We just have to keep this between us Sashta. You understand right. We aren’t supposed to be doing stuff like that. And it was very wrong for me to do that.

“But Ryan it felt so good,” she said fully smiling and leaning into him. He put his arm around her happy that she was at least satisfied.

“Ok. It wasn’t all bad. But you can’t tell anyone ok?” She nodded.

“I will show you back. A very normal thing for a local to do for a visitor,” she said smiling sneakily.

“Good. Also. We can’t do that again Sashta. Ever.” She gave him a funny look but nodded slowly.

***

A month had gone by and Ryan was really getting into the routine of things in Gedeh. He liked the work and his lungs were actually getting used to the change in altitude and hikes. He wasn’t really dropping weight like everyone made it seem, but maybe a little. He had no idea. The village was having a huge party that night and everyone had to prepare. They were about to head out to get food from a neighboring shop when Ryan felt a tug on his shirt. A little girl was staring up at him with wide eyes. “Grandma says come,” she said. She took his hand and dragged him to Rosa’s house. She shouted “here” when he got to the doorway. Rosa came out and put her hand on her hips.

“Ryan do you like to lie to old women?” Ryan was afraid. He clearly did something. “You say you come back… but I have not seen you in my door since.”

“Rosa please do not take this personally. I have just been busy with the Corps. I am here now. Is there something you need?” She nodded walked over to her small stove and brought over a bowl of stew. The smell had been driving Ryan crazy since he walked in. He secretly had hoped she’d offer some, even though that really wasn’t good manners.

“Ryan please try this. It is for the feast tonight.”

“I’d love to try some.” He took his first bite and shot Rosa a look.

“You do not like it,” she said rushing to take the bowl back, embarrassed.

“No this is amazing. What kind of meat is this?”

“It is goat.” Ryan’s eyes widened. He never had goat before, and was suddenly aware that Rosa no longer had one in her back yard. He tried not to think of Rosa killing the goat, and focused on how good it was. She watched him smiling. He finished the bowl with haste and drank the broth. Rosa came over to him with a small bowl of the creamy mixture from his first visit.

“Rosa. Please I can’t sit here and eat all your food. Even though it is so delicious. And our meals from the division are so dry and unsatisfying. I’m supposed to be slimming down here.” Rosa thought he was funny and handed him the bowl. He had been craving the dish since he walked away from it weeks ago. He knew he could go back and forth with her or he could just eat it like he really wanted to. “Rosa, I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and delicious cooking.”

“Pay me in visits Ryan. I am old. People have to come to me. And when you do I will always have something for you. In my house we say full belly full life. When you have what you need you can do anything. And I think we need food first. Always.”

“That is very kind of you. I will come more often. Thank you again.” He walked out and saw the truck had left. He sighed, not sure what the consequence was for dipping out on an assignment. His stomach was warm and full. Ready to do anything, but he was mostly ready to sleep. He thought he could slip into his tent and catch a nap, when he felt a heavy hand land on his shoulder. He looked next to him and saw Kojo, dressed up quite kingly.

“Ryan you are messing with a dangerously good cook in that house. Be careful,” he laughed loudly.

“I am learning,” Ryan said.

“Do you think you could do me a favor?”

“Of course, anything you need. I seemed to have missed my bus,” Ryan said sheepishly.

“My granddaughter needs to go into the town south to get fabric for her clothing tonight. Can you escort her there? It is not safe for a young woman like herself. She is headstrong and thinks she will be fine. I would feel better if you went with her.” Ryan felt a little shaky. He hadn’t really seen much of Sashta since they were by the water source. He wasn’t avoiding her… just her stares. And maybe he would always busy himself when he caught the slightest glimpse of her.

“Anything you need sir.” He called his granddaughter from within his home and she looked at Ryan with a sneer.

“Grandfather. I do not need help going to town. I certainly don’t need help from him,” she spat. Kojo smiled at her.

“Well Sashta, it is good to have more than we need. You will be going with Ryan. That is all.” He walked away, his gentle power floating around him as he went. Ryan watched him until he was gone then slowly turned to Sashta uneasily. But she had already started taking off at a brisk walk.

“Of course.” He started jogging over to her, instantly remembering how much he ate at Rosa’s and how poor he was at jogging. “Please Sashta just wait up!” he shouted. She had to have taken off as soon as her grandfather turned away. She was about a football field ahead. She stopped and looked at him. He started running again.

“I am ignoring you Ryan. Just like you did to me!” She kept walking quickly. He kept running after her, even though his chest was getting tight and it was getting really hard to breathe. He finally caught up and threw his hands on her shoulders.